Preston Shannon belts out a song with his soulful voice as he stands at the edge of the stage during his set at the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival Wednesday night, June 15, 2011. Shannon is known as the reigning King of Beale Street. (Gleaner photo by Darrin Phegley • 831-8375 or dphegley@thegleaner.com)

Brian Mullins, drummer for The Cold Stares, jams down on his set as he and guitarist Chris Tapp lead off the Handy music Wednesday night, June 15, 2011. (Gleaner photo by Darrin Phegley • 831-8375 or dphegley@thegleaner.com)

Five-year-old Landon Smith struts his stuff as he listens to The Cold Stares play at the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival Wednesday night, June 15, 2011. Smith is a friend of The Cold Stares drummer Brian Mullins and his mom said he often wears the ear protectors when he listens to Mullins play. (Gleaner photo by Darrin Phegley • 831-8375 or dphegley@thegleaner.com)